My old lab that's lived in the house with us for the last 10 years is in pain and needs to go. It's the only dog I've ever owned that wasn't a bird dog. I lived In east Texas for several years and started duck hunting. I didn't know anything about training a lab and he would WhoA when swimming and follow hand signals. Tonight I brushed him and told him how much I loved him. He just lays around licking his joints. I was going to take him out tomorrow and put him down but my wife came out and told me there was no way I was killing her dog on Mother's Day weekend. I feel like my old Poppa when he called me out when I was in college to shoot 2 of his bird dogs. He said he was too old to take care of them. Frank gets to go until next weekend but I'm in pain over it and am dreading the shot. I may get my brother to do it for me. I've never felt this bad over anything I have to do. I bought a live oak to plant over him. I'm not looking for any sympathy but hope some of my THF buddies have been here before. Tears in my eyes like a sissy. He's just a dog but he feels like family.

I know what your going thru. Go ahead and ball like a baby. I did. My Reba was 14 when I had to let her go.

I could never do that.

I'll pay the vet bill if you take him to the vet.

You don't want the last thing he sees in this world is the guy he loves pointing a gun at him. Take him to the vet, he can lay in your lap as he slips away.

Some vets will come to your house and do it.

No way man, you'll be scared for life. If it's the money, just reach out.

The vet can call me and I will give him my debit card number.

Take care of it Bill. I'll go half.

I have had to do this many times. I know many feel they have to do it themselves but I just have not been able to. A trip to the vet can make it somewhat easier and in my cases very peaceful. Prayers

I'll make it thirds , let me know

It's not the money guys. He just never has liked going to the vet. It upsets him. I appreciate the support.

Not sure where you are but is this an option for you?

This is what I did.....still balled like a big ol' baby. Grown son had to go to the truck. He couldn't take it. He was balling too when I got back to the truck. 2 big ol' grown a$$ men sobbing and sniffling all the way back home 15 miles. Wife didn't even go. Hurt like hell. No way I could shoot my dog.

When it came time for my old lab to go, I took her out by a pond, sat her and told her to mark. She was anxiously looking for birds, not at me. Yes, a dirty trick and deed, but so is the fact that sooner or later, we all will lose to death.

Call your vet and talk to him, I'll bet he'd come to you. Don't shoot him, it's not good for you or him.

Bill, if this happens PM me...I'm in and will quarter it up.

I've got one dog that is terrified of vets, and I always thought I would have to put him down in the field when the time comes. We now have vets in the area that will come to your home. I think its a better option for those of us with dogs that hate the vets office.
Look them up online, you may have one in your area.

Had a friend in your situation, he called his friend who came over after he left for work, the friend took the dog to the vet and then buried the dog.

There's no such thing as "He's just a dog" in my book. He is family. I had a black lab I had to let go at 15 years old and I still tear up.

I know I am a newbie here on the THF (hang mostly at the TFF but don't hate on me in this post) but dude, I couldn't handle doing it myself.

Between Bill, Cast, Rock, and Judd I'm in too if you want it Bro.

I feel you pain. I had to put my 13 year old lab down 4 years and I cried more for him than some relatives. Luke was purchased to be a hunting dog but ended up being the best all around family dog I have ever owned. I personally could not put the dog down and took him to the vet. The dog was in tremendous discomfort and after he was gone it was a comfort to know his pain was over. It took until last month for me to want another lab and I got a beautiful chocolate lab from Seven Oaks Kennels. Time heals the loss but your friend, like mine will never be forgotten. God Bless your family.

Now that there is a friend.

I was hunting chukars in idaho a few years ago. So a dog burried with a brass plate as a headstone nailed to a tree. Big size rocks covering his grave. That hunter loved his bird dogs as much as I do. I choked up

Hate seeing these posts (especially since I have one that is over 14 & going fast), please listen to the these guys, the dog deserves to go peacefully, you pointing a gun at it's head isn't going to be a peaceful experience for you or the dog. Ask the vet to give you a Valium or something to relax the dog, then take him in if they wont come to you. Where do you live? I think I have a Valium my vet gave me a few years ago that I will give you.

I still tear up over having to put down a beloved lab. I couldn't do it with a bullet and wouldn't unless it was a have to situation. I feel for you.

Yes, out in the field and dog is in pain, I will do what I have to do but no way I could shoot my dog when a vet is available.

X2 Mr CCBIRDDOGMAN X2